Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Organic
Energy: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Protection, Love, Emotional Soothing
 
Magical & Spiritual Uses
Marshmallow root carries gentle, softening energy. In spiritual work, it is associated with emotional healing, reconciliation, and protection through compassion rather than force. It is sometimes included in peace-making blends, love formulas meant to restore tenderness, and workings focused on calming heated situations.
Its moistening, nurturing nature symbolically aligns with easing tension and softening harsh words. Marshmallow root may be added to baths, peace jars, or charm bags intended to soothe conflict and encourage understanding. These uses are shared as cultural and historical context only.
 
Indigenous & Cultural Context
Althaea officinalis has been used for thousands of years across ancient Egyptian, Greek, Arab, and Roman cultures as both food and medicine. The plant’s name derives from the Greek word altheo, meaning “to heal.”
While native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, marshmallow naturalized in North America and became incorporated into folk herbal traditions. In times of famine, various mallow species were eaten as nourishing greens throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East.
The original marshmallow confection was made from the root’s mucilage blended with honey—an ancient sweet reserved for royalty before evolving into the modern confection.
 
Botanical & Herbal Context
Althaea officinalis is a perennial in the Malvaceae family, growing in marshes, along riverbanks, and in damp soils. It produces soft, velvety leaves and pale flowers similar to hollyhock. The root contains high amounts of mucilage, a soothing, demulcent constituent.
Marshmallow root has been traditionally used to soothe and moisten mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems. It is commonly prepared as a cold infusion, decoction, syrup, or added to herbal tea blends and body care formulations.
Herbally, marshmallow root is considered cooling, moistening, and gentle.
 
Organic herb. Sold unprepared. Curio only.
As with all herbs, there may be slight variations in size, color, texture, cut, aroma, or appearance due to natural growing conditions, seasonal differences, and processing methods.
 
Precautions
Should be taken with at least 8 oz of liquid. Orally administered medications should be taken 1 hour before or several hours after marshmallow, as it may slow absorption. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
 
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.